Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple in Srirangam is one of the three prominent Narasimha Temples in the sacred town of temples and perhaps one of the oldest temples in Srirangam. The Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple predates the Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam.
Srirangam hosts the world’s largest functioning temple complex, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha. There are so many temples in Srirangam that even 20 full days will not suffice to see them all. Every temple in Srirangam accounts for some or the other historical tale connected to the service of the Lord. The city itself has been a primordial seat of Srivaishnavism.
Of all these fascinating temples in Srirangam, there are three temples dedicated to Lord Narasimha – Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple, Mettu Azhagiya Singar Temple and Atra / Atta Azhagiya Singar Temple. Mettu Azhagiya Singar Temple is within the main temple complex. Atra Azhagiya Singar Temple is near the Kollidam bridge and the Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple is within the forest or at least it used to be.
The origin of Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple
In the olden days there used to be a thick forest in this area surrounded by two rivers – Cauvery and Kollidam. Since this was a sacred kshetra or bhumi, many rishis along with their families would live here and engage in tapasya. And so were the wild and ferocious animals.
The wild animals would regularly attack the rishis and their family members and kill them for a meal. Although the sages were powerful enough to kill these ferocious animals just by chanting the mantras, they did not want to waste the punya acquired from the performance of their tapasya.
Instead, they chose to perform more severe penances to please Lord Narasimha and invoke His protection. Lord Narasimha being pleased by their worship appeared there and chose to remain there to protect the sages. Anyone who offers sincere worship in the Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple is always blessed with protection.
Once, the elephants living in this area started creating disturbance. Since elephants cannot be killed, devotees prayed to Lord Narasimha and built a small temple for Him. Eventually the elephants left this place and it once again became a peaceful place.
Because the Lord Narasimha was situated in the middle of the thick forest, He is called as Kaattu Azhagiya Singar. Kaattu means forest, Azhagiya means handsome, meaning the Handsome Lord of the forest.
The Deities in the Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple
Inside the Garbha-griha of the temple, is a very tall vigraha of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. Devotees believe that the vigraha is Swayambhu or self-manifested. The vigraha is not carved by any human being. Lakshmi Devi is seated on the lap of Lord Narasimha. The Lord is facing west.
The Mystery of No Utsava Vigraha in Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple
Long ago when this temple was in the middle of the forest, it had a very minimal human population living around. It was unsafe to keep the utsavar vigraha inside the temple. Therefore, the vigraha was kept in the Koorathazhwan temple for safe keeping. Till today this has continued and the utsavar vigraha is not here.
The Temple Timings of Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple
The temple is open from 5 am to 12:00 pm and from 5 pm to 8:30 pm daily. Since the temple is not frequented by the devotees, the temple is not crowded generally.
Special sevas and pujas are offered to the Lord on the Swati Nakshatra Day.
How to reach Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple
To reach the Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple, one must first reach Tiruchirappalli. From there one must reach Srirangam and then the temple.
By Air – Tiruchirappalli is the nearest airport to Srirangam. From here one can hire taxi to reach Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple.
By Rail – Srirangam has a small railway station which is well connected with other railway stations in the state. From the railway station you may get a auto to reach the temple.
By Road – Srirangam is a major center of pilgrimage. It is well connected by the National Highway. You may hire a taxi from Bengaluru or Chennai to reach Srirangam or the temple. There are also road transport services available from Chennai, Kumbakonam, Bengaluru, Tanjore and the other major cities.
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